Johannesburg – The SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) on Monday condemned two incidents in which journalists were assaulted.

Sunday Tribune journalist Sandile Ngidi was allegedly assaulted by Thandeka Nene, whose company Bonelena Construction built President Jacob Zuma’s homestead at Nkandla, and another person.

Ngidi had gone to the home of Bavelile Mahlalemphini Mqadi, Nene’s mother, after she was stabbed to death there by intruders a week earlier.

The Sunday Tribune reported that Ngidi was cut above his left eye when he was hit with a glass object.

He was taken to hospital for stitches and a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm was laid at the Durban Central police station.

Sanef was “shocked” by the assault, it said in a statement.

“Sanef is horrified that a person who makes her living from state tenders can be accused of such gross illegal activity such as assault.”

It said Nene could have asked the reporter to leave.

Sanef also condemned the kidnapping of two Daily Sun reporters, allegedly by EFF members, during a protest in Nellmapius, Pretoria, on Wednesday.

According to a report in the Beeld on Thursday, the group threatened to “necklace” the journalists to get media coverage.

Sanef said the journalists were held against their will, were hit with a beer bottle and that their clothing was torn.

Their equipment was also reportedly confiscated and a damaged camera was later returned to them.

Sanef called on the Nellmapius community to allow journalists to do their work without assaulting and threatening them.

SAPA